Therapeutic agent for NGF

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of a domain of Trk as a therapeutic agent and for screening purposes and rational design of NGF nimetics.

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . A complex comprising at least one polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of residues 22 to 119 of  FIG. 4B  (SEQ ID NO:14) or a portion of the amino acid sequence of  FIG. 4B  (SEQ ID NO:14) and at least one neurotrophin or neurotrophin subunit, monomer, or biologically active portion thereof.  
   
   
       20 - 67 . (canceled)  
   
   
       68 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the polypeptide is residues 22 to 144 of  FIG. 4B  (SEQ ID NO:14).  
   
   
       69 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the polypeptide is TrkAIg1,2 or a portion thereof.  
   
   
       70 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the polypeptide binds with high affinity to a neurotrophin.  
   
   
       71 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the polypeptide binds to a neurotrophin with a dissociation constant of less than 10 nM.  
   
   
       72 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the polypeptide is isolated from animal cells or insect cells.  
   
   
       73 . The complex according to  claim 72 , wherein the animal cells are mammalian cells.  
   
   
       74 . The complex according to  claim 72 , wherein the animal cells are human cells.  
   
   
       75 . The complex according to  claim 72 , wherein the animal cells are reptilian cells, fish cells, avian cells, or amphibian cells.  
   
   
       76 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the neurotrophin is NGF, NT-3, or a neurotrophin which bind p75NGFR.  
   
   
       77 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the neurotrophin exists as a monomer, dimer, trimer, or a neurotrophin heterodimer.  
   
   
       78 . The complex according to  claim 19 , wherein the neurotrophin is from a mammal, insect, reptile, fish, bird, or amphibian.